Berlin-based Mischa Leinkauf and Matthias Wermke said they replaced the flags on top of the bridge with bleached-white versions as a tribute to public art and to the bridge's architect, German-born civil engineer John Augustus Roebling.

PHOTOS: Mysterious White Flags Atop Brooklyn Bridge

Leinkauf and Wermke did not respond to emails seeking comment.

Previously, the artists said they had planned to return the flags and that they "always face the consequences" for their work.

Previously, police said persons of interest had been identified in the switch. At the time, the NYPD said it was looking for a group of four young people, including one with a skateboard, seen in surveillance video near the bridge around the time of the swap.